Abstract: A method of producing an endless belt includes the steps of: securing axial fibers relative to a mandrel, the axial fibers being spaced apart from one another at desired intervals and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel; applying a polymeric base layer to the mandrel in a thickness sufficient to embed the axial fibers; wrapping circumferential fibers onto the polymeric base layer with sufficient tension to partially embed the circumferential fibers in the polymeric base layer; applying a polymeric top stock layer over the polymeric base layer and circumferential fibers; and curing the base layer and the top stock layer. This method can improve productivity and performance of endless belts, particularly if the wrapping and latter applying steps closely follow the first applying step.

Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface and an internal lumen; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to sense an operating parameter of the roll; and a signal-carrying member serially connected with and extending between the plurality of sensors. The signal-carrying member follows a helical path over the outer surface of the shell, wherein the signal-carrying member extends between adjacent sensors and extends over more than one complete revolution of the shell outer surface (and, preferably, an intermediate segment of the signal-carrying member extends over more than a full revolution of the roll between adjacent sensors).

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating calibration of sensors embedded within an object includes: a foundation; a force generator mounted on the foundation configured to generate a force in a first direction; a load cell connected with the force generator that detects the magnitude of force applied by the force generator; a roller mounting assembly pivotally interconnected with the foundation and pivotable about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction; and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller mounting assembly for rotation about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction, the roller protruding in the first direction sufficiently to apply a force to the object. This apparatus can enable force applied to the sensor to be calibrated with sensor output.

Abstract: A shoe press includes: a first member; a second member; a substantially cylindrical belt; and a processing unit. The first member has a convex pressing surface. The second member includes a shoe with a concave pressing surface substantially complimentary to the convex pressing surface. The second member further includes a pair of substantially circular head plates rotatably mounted on axially opposed ends thereof. The belt is fixed to, extends between, and is rotatable with the head plates such that a portion of the belt passes between the convex pressing surface and the concave pressing surface. The belt includes embedded therein a communications cable having a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals responsive to an operating parameter of the shoe press. The processing unit is in communication with the communications cable and processes signals generated by the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating calibration of sensors embedded within an object includes: a foundation; a force generator mounted on the foundation configured to generate a force in a first direction; a load cell connected with the force generator that detects the magnitude of force applied by the force generator; a roller mounting assembly pivotally interconnected with the foundation and pivotable about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction; and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller mounting assembly for rotation about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being generally perpendicular to the first direction, the roller protruding in the first direction sufficiently to apply a force to the object. This apparatus can enable force applied to the sensor to be calibrated with sensor output.

Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface and an internal lumen; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to sense an operating parameter of the roll; and a signal-carrying member serially connected with and extending between the plurality of sensors. The signal-carrying member follows a helical path over the outer surface of the shell, wherein the signal-carrying member extends between adjacent sensors extends over more than one complete revolution of the shell outer surface (and, preferably, an intermediate segment of the signal-carrying member extends over more than a full revolution of the roll between adjacent sensors).

Abstract: A shoe press includes: a first member; a second member; a substantially cylindrical belt; and a processing unit. The first member has a convex pressing surface. The second member includes a shoe with a concave pressing surface substantially complimentary to the convex pressing surface. The second member further includes a pair of substantially circular head plates rotatably mounted on axially opposed ends thereof. The belt is fixed to, extends between, and is rotatable with the head plates such that a portion of the belt passes between the convex pressing surface and the concave pressing surface. The belt includes embedded therein a communications cable having a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals responsive to an operating parameter of the shoe press. The processing unit is in communication with the communications cable and processes signals generated by the sensors.